Starting price
From $ 2,200 per person
The final quote is checked against dates, group size, route changes, hotels, guides, permits, and transport.
Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom
Max Altitude
4,010m (Lo Manthang)
Duration
14 Days
Group Size
2-10 trekkers
Best Season
April-November (best: May-October)
Difficulty
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Quick answers
Cost, availability, and booking facts
Fixed departures
Checked on request
Group-joining seats, private departures, guide availability, permits, and weather windows are verified before confirmation.
Deposit terms
Confirmed before booking
Deposit, balance due date, cancellation terms, and any flight or permit conditions are confirmed in the written proposal.
Planning review
July 9, 2026
Reviewed by the Navigate Globe Kathmandu planning desk for route fit, season, safety, and local logistics.
Overview
Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom at a glance
This 14 days trekking experience is best planned around April-November (best: May-October). It is rated moderate and reaches up to 4,010m (Lo Manthang), with local support for route timing, logistics, and practical adjustments.
Journey to the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" on this extraordinary trek through Upper Mustang. Closed to foreigners until 1992, this remote region preserves a living Tibetan Buddhist culture virtually unchanged for centuries.
The landscape is otherworldly - a high-altitude desert of eroded cliffs, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations. Red, ochre, and grey cliffs tower above whitewashed monasteries and ancient villages. The walled capital of Lo Manthang is the jewel of Upper Mustang.
This trek follows ancient trade routes through a stark but beautiful terrain that seems more like Tibet than Nepal. Visit cave monasteries with centuries-old murals, explore the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, and experience a culture that time forgot.
Upper Mustang remains a restricted area requiring special permits, which helps preserve its pristine environment and authentic culture. The extra effort is rewarded with an unforgettable glimpse into a vanishing world.
Trip planning essentials
Who this trip is for
- Travelers looking for a guided trekking experience in Nepal.
- Guests with 14 days available who want logistics, route planning, and local support handled.
- Moderate travelers who are comfortable with the listed daily pacing, season, and terrain.
Route at a glance
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Style
- Trekking
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- April-November (best: May-October)
- Max altitude
- 4,010m (Lo Manthang)
- Group size
- 2-10 trekkers
- Starts
- Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni
- Ends
- Departure
Best season
April-November (best: May-October) is the main recommended window for this itinerary. Exact conditions can vary by region, altitude, road access, flight reliability, and the kind of views or activities you want most.
Difficulty explained
Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom is rated Moderate. This reflects the route pace, terrain, altitude profile, daily movement, and the amount of preparation most travelers should expect. The final fit still depends on your experience, travel month, health, and preferred comfort level.
Trust and review proof
Reviewed by a Kathmandu planning desk
The page is kept practical: visible pricing notes, availability checks, permit questions, and review proof are tied to the actual trip details.
- Reviewed by
- Navigate Globe Kathmandu planning desk
- Last page review
- July 9, 2026
- Traveler proof
- 5.0/5 across 7 active Navigate Globe traveler reviews.
- Local checks
- Permits, guide assignment, transport timing, altitude exposure, insurance wording, and weather backups are checked before confirmation.
Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom cost and booking notes
What affects the final cost
- $ 2,200 is the published starting point. Final pricing can change with private departures, upgrades, group size, season, and route changes.
- For 14 days trips, the biggest cost variables are transport timing, guide support, accommodation level, permits, and how much flexibility you need around weather or road conditions.
- Before booking, confirm inclusions, cancellation terms, insurance needs, and any altitude, flight, or permit constraints that affect your route.
Permits, safety, and local support
- Local planning support for route timing, transfers, guide coordination, and realistic daily pacing.
- Season-aware adjustments for weather, trail condition, flight reliability, road access, and mountain visibility.
- Clear pre-trip guidance on documents, packing, insurance, emergency contacts, and what to expect on the ground.
| Booking point | Current status | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Published package price | From $ 2,200 per person | Use this as the starting point, not the final private-trip invoice. |
| Private departure | Quoted after dates | Guide, vehicle, hotel, permit, and rooming choices can change the final price. |
| Group joining or fixed departure | Checked on request | Only confirmed when the route, start date, seats, and operating minimums line up. |
| Deposit and balance | Confirmed before booking | Payment schedule, cancellation terms, and permit or flight constraints are checked before booking. |
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Highlights
- Visit medieval Lo Manthang
- Explore cave monasteries
- Otherworldly desert landscape
- Preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Ancient murals and art
- Royal palace visit
- Unique geology and colors
- Authentic cultural immersion
Your Journey
14 DaysScenic flight to Jomsom. Trek to the ancient village of Kagbeni at the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,810m
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Scenic flight to Jomsom. Trek to the ancient village of Kagbeni at the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,810m
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Enter the restricted area. Trek through dramatic red cliffs and eroded canyons.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,050m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Enter the restricted area. Trek through dramatic red cliffs and eroded canyons.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,050m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Cross high passes with views of Nilgiri and Tilicho. Enter the desert landscape.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,475m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Cross high passes with views of Nilgiri and Tilicho. Enter the desert landscape.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,475m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Pass the longest mani wall in Nepal. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,520m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Pass the longest mani wall in Nepal. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,520m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Visit Tsarang monastery with ancient murals. Explore the old palace ruins.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,560m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Visit Tsarang monastery with ancient murals. Explore the old palace ruins.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,560m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Arrive at the walled capital of the former kingdom. Explore the medieval city.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,840m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Arrive at the walled capital of the former kingdom. Explore the medieval city.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,840m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Full day exploring monasteries, the royal palace, and the old city.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,840m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Full day exploring monasteries, the royal palace, and the old city.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,840m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Day trip to Tingkhar and the nearby caves. Return to Lo Manthang.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,840m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Day trip to Tingkhar and the nearby caves. Return to Lo Manthang.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,840m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Begin return via alternate route. Visit the dramatic red cliffs of Drakmar.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,810m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Begin return via alternate route. Visit the dramatic red cliffs of Drakmar.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,810m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Continue through colorful landscape. Visit local monasteries.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,570m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Continue through colorful landscape. Visit local monasteries.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,570m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Descend through canyons back toward the Kali Gandaki valley.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,980m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Descend through canyons back toward the Kali Gandaki valley.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,980m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Follow the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. Celebrate completion.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,720m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Follow the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. Celebrate completion.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,720m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse
Morning flight to Pokhara. Afternoon free for relaxation.
Duration
-
Elevation
820m
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
Hotel
Morning flight to Pokhara. Afternoon free for relaxation.
Duration
-
Elevation
820m
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
Hotel
Transfer to airport or continue to Kathmandu.
Duration
-
Elevation
-
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
-
Transfer to airport or continue to Kathmandu.
Duration
-
Elevation
-
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
-
Inclusions, exclusions, and extra costs
What's included
- Flights Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Licensed guide and porter
- All trek accommodation
- All meals during trek
- First aid kit
What's not included
- Kathmandu-Pokhara transportation
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals in Pokhara/Kathmandu
- Personal gear
- Tips
- Personal expenses
| Extra cost or condition | How to handle it |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu-Pokhara transportation | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
| Nepal visa fees | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
| Travel insurance | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
| Meals in Pokhara/Kathmandu | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
| Personal gear | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
| Tips | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
| Personal expenses | Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom best suited for?
Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom is best suited for first-time trekkers, experienced hikers, and travelers who want a paced Himalayan walking journey. We recommend checking the duration, difficulty, season, and included support before booking.
What should I consider before booking Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom?
The main planning points are difficulty, altitude profile, acclimatisation, permits, guide support, and daily walking time. Our team can confirm what is realistic for your dates and group size.
Can this trekking package be customized?
Yes. We can customize Upper Mustang Trek - The Forbidden Kingdom around your dates, preferred pace, accommodation style, private transport, guide support, and add-on experiences.
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From
$ 2,200
per person
- Departures
- Checked on request
- Deposit
- Confirmed before booking
- Review
- July 9, 2026
- Proof
- Verified on request
